Overview

Trip Length

Season

Adventure Type

Destination

Ecuador

Min. Age

12 years

Trip Begins/Ends

Quito, Ecuador

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Nearest Airports

Quito, Ecuador (UIO)

Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE)

Visit Quito, one of the most beautiful cities in South America, be amazed by its churches and temples. Hike the foothills of the highest peak in the country and see beautiful Andes scenery unfold before your eyes. Discover the second largest lagoon complex in Ecuador and then descend on bike towards the deep Amazon Jungle. Later on whitewater raft the Upano River thorough fin rapids and meet the Shuar, an ancient amazon community famous for their ancient tradition of head shrinking. Stand on ancient Inca ruins and travel back centuries to one of the most imposing ancient empires. Stand on ancient Inca ruins and travel back centuries to one of the most imposing ancient empires. Take a short boat ride through a tropical dry forest and the largest mangrove reserve in Ecuador before arriving in Guayaquil, the Pearl of the Pacific.

Itinerary

Custom Trip Note: Below is our most popular multisport tour in Ecuador, however, we can customize this trip at every turn to fit your availability, trip preference, activities, budget, lodging preferences or any other reason. Please call us at 800-451-6034 to customize a trip.

Upon arrival at Quito, a representative will meet you; assist you with your luggage and transfer you to the hotel for your overnight stay.

ACCOMMODATION : Patio Andaluz

MEALS INCLUDED : Dinner

Catequilla Archaeological Site, Quito City Tour, Equator Line

In the morning we will drive along the city’s northern area, until we reach Catequilla archaeological site. Catequilla is located at 8654 feet above sea level, it’s the only site in Ecuador that remains from before the arrival of the Incas to the area. It is believed it was an astronomical observatory and a moon worship site. Archaeologists have discovered a total of 13 circles; the most important of them is in perfect line with the Equator Line.

Later, we will visit the Intinan Museum where we will be able to see various demonstrations of Ecuadorian daily life and carry out science experiments that con only be practiced in the middle of the world. Within a short drive we will reach El Crater Restaurant for lunch, which is located at the border of the volcanic crater ‘El Pululahua’. Later, in the afternoon we will visit the colonial temples and monasteries of Quito, the first ever World Heritage Site. Walk around St. Augustine’s Convent, the Independence Plaza surrounded by the Cathedral, the President Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. We will continue to San Francisco Church, one of the greatest religious structures of the New World.

ACCOMMODATION : Patio Andaluz

MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Hike Chimborazo Foothills

Today’s hike will highlight amazing views (if weather permits) of Chimborazo volcano and its glaciers. Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador reaching at its summit 20,564 feet above sea level. Our hike starts off the Pan-American Highway using old dirt roads that are still being used by local farmers to transport the area’s production: wheat, barley, quinoa, corn and potatoes. Due to its altitude its home to many South American cameloids like, vicuña, alpaca and llama. Our first stop will be the Urbina Railroad Station, the highest railroad station in Ecuador. Here we will recharge our energy with energetic snacks, coca tea and some rest. From here we continue down to our hotel, along the way we will enjoy views of the rolling paramos and patches of agriculture that make this hike a magical moment full of opportunities for taking great pictures.

ACCOMMODATION : Patio Andaluz

MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Hike Lagunas De Atillo, Mountain Bike from Paramo to Tropical Forest

Today we will discover Ecuador’s deep tropical forest. To reach the small city of Macas we will have to drive up the Andes Cordillera to 11,300 feet above sea level. At this point we will find one of the largest lacustrine complex in all Ecuador, the Lagunas de Atillo, which are part of the Sangay National Park. We will hike for about 1.5 hours around the lakes. After our hike we will meet our bikes to descend trough one of the most scenic roads in the country. It took more than 80 years to build this road where in ancestral times, indigenous people rambled by foot or with mules to trade products from the Amazon with the Andes. Our bike adventure starts in the moorlands or ‘paramo’, descending to the tropical jungle, crossing trough mountain lakes, waterfalls and virgin forests. It is an incredible landscape dominated by dramatic mountain formations and amazing views of the Amazon basin.

ACCOMMODATION : Casa Upano B&B Bird Sanctuary

MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

White Water Rafting the Rio Upano, Drive to Cuenca

Today we will engage in one of the most exciting white water runs of the country. We will paddle the Upano River which descends from the Andes to the Amazon, alternating between valleys and narrow canyons, providing plenty of fun rapids. Later in the afternoon, we will drive towards Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador, where we will discover all the charm and cultural richness of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ACCOMMODATION : Hacienda Uzhuped

MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Cuenca City Tour – Pumapungo Ruins

We will start our day walking in the center of Cuenca, and observing its distinctive Spanish style with touches of French influence. The Incas inhabited Cuenca and its surroundings, which at that time was populated by the Cañari people. The churches, murals, stained glass, ceramics and weavings show a true mixture of Spanish and indigenous skills. Due to its rich culture and architecture, UNESCO proudly declared Cuenca a World Heritage Centre. We will then visit the Pamapungo Inca-Cañari ruins. Pumapungo which means, ʻDoor of the Pumaʼ, is an archeological park located on the edge of the historic city center. It is part of one of the most imposing and beautiful cities of the Inca ancient empire.

ACCOMMODATION : Casa del Aguila

MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Cojitambo Inca Ruins, Mountain Bike to Cuenca

Cojitambo is a town, located 15 miles north of Cuenca at 9,800 feet above sea level. It has a population of 3,500 inhabitants. This beautiful town is part of an archaeological complex built by the Inca in the 1400ʼs. From the uppermost point, Cojitambo also offers spectacular views of Inca ruins and rolling valleys. It comes as no surprise that this strategically located town was so significant to the Inca back in the day. After visiting the ruins we will enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch we will get our bicycles, and ride the road that connects Cojitambo with Cuenca. Cuencaʼs geography and natural diversity, makes for a picturesque and interesting ride through the mountainous scenery. We will pedal through corn, fruit and wheat fields, alongside ancient houses still bustling with the life of the friendly locals. Additionally, Cuencaʼs architecture is even more unique and stunning from the seat of a bike, where you can go at your own pace and appreciate everything around you.

ACCOMMODATION : Casa del Aguila

MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Cuenca, Manglares Churute Mangrove Reserve

Today we will take a drive from Cuenca towards the Manglares–Churute Mangrove Reserve, which spans around 123,550ac. Covering two astonishingly bio diverse ecosystems: tropical dry forest and the largest mangrove reserve in Ecuador. Mangrove trees grow in ecosystems that bridge the gap between land and sea, along tropical coastal zones. At the reserve we will take a short boat ride to enjoy the diversity of this environment. The journey through the reserve is short but stunning. Once we arrive in Guayaquil we will head to our hotel where we will enjoy our farewell dinner.

ACCOMMODATION : Hilton Colon Guayaquil

MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Departure

Breakfast included in the hotel, private transfer to the airport of Guayaquil for your return flight or your extension to the Galapagos Islands or somewhere else in Latin America!